If you or a loved one have recently become disabled, you may be considering applying for Social Security disability. Under normal conditions, your claim could take months or even years to make its way through the system. You should know, however, that if you meet certain conditions, you may be eligible for the expedited handling of your claim. Read on for more information about the three main programs that will help speed your claim through the process and who qualifies for these programs.

Compassionate Allowances

You can qualify for this program if your illness is on the Compassionate Allowances list. The conditions on this list range from several types of cancer to early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The SSA will approve your claim with less than the usual amount of information, but providing a complete set of medical records will enhance the chances of a fast approval, since sometimes healthcare providers are slow to respond to requests from SSA. Although you can get a much quicker approval for benefits with the Compassionate Allowances program, you still must go through the 5-month waiting period to actually begin receiving payments, just as with the traditional programs.

Quick Disability Determination (QDD)

This program fast-tracks your claim based on a computer algorithm that uses certain criteria to flag cases that can be predicted to be approved. This determination depends on a scoring method that gives points for easily obtainable medical proof of illness and points for having certain disabilities. You can raise your chances of qualifying for this program by submitting complete medical records and by applying as soon as possible, since the length of onset time is also evaluated.

Terminal Illnesses Program (TERI)

People with conditions that are expected to result in death qualify for this expedited program. You may qualify by having certain conditions and/or by the allegations of a doctor, family member or other caregiver that you have certain conditions. Normally, people who are in hospice care, are on life support, have ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) or have AIDS automatically qualify for this program. As with all Social Security applications, proof must be provided, but it is not necessary to indicate on the application that the condition is terminal, nor will this label appear anywhere on your paperwork. The SSA will automatically identify candidates for this program based on the criteria.

It's important to get help quickly if you fall into any of the above categories. A Social Security disability lawyer, like those at Gieg Law Offices, can assist you with more information about these programs and will serve as an experienced advocate for you during this stressful time.